Apply vs Adopt: What's the Difference?

Quick Difference

Apply means (transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another). Adopt means To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship..

Apply Meaning

(transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another).

Adopt Meaning

To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship.

Apply vs Adopt Comparison Table

FeatureApplyAdopt

Meaning(transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship.

Part of speechverbverb

Exampleto apply cream to a rashto adopt the view or policy of another

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between apply and adopt?

Apply means (transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another), while adopt means To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship..